A swirling controversy surrounding businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s lavish gifts continues to make waves in Zimbabwe, leading to significant fallout at Capital FM. Phathisani Sibanda, the station manager at Capital FM, has reportedly been retrenched following the highly publicized ‘Chivayo gifts row’. Sibanda is among 154 staffers placed on a retrenchment list this week.
Adding another layer to the saga, prominent Zimbabwean lawyer, Addington Chinake, has respectfully declined a US$350,000 gift from Chivayo. Chinake’s decision comes after a public tribute from Chivayo, which brought the gift into the spotlight. The lawyer stated, “My wife and I have carefully considered your announcement and must respectfully decline.” This development highlights the intense public scrutiny surrounding the gifts and their implications for public figures in Zimbabwe.
Key Players Involved
- Phathisani Sibanda: Former Capital FM station manager, reportedly retrenched.
- Wicknell Chivayo: Businessman whose lavish gifts sparked the controversy.
- Addington Chinake: Top lawyer who publicly declined a US$350,000 gift.
Event Timeline
- September 21, 2026: Top lawyer Addington Chinake declines Chivayo’s US$350,000 gift.
- This week (leading up to Sep 22, 2026): Phathisani Sibanda and 153 other staffers are placed on a retrenchment list at Capital FM.
